Wow…I have no excuses why it took me soooo long to update. I just stopped at the middle of the chapter and couldn't find it within myself to restart it until now. If it helps, this chapter sucked until I went back and redid it today. Well, I apologize and hope you guys like it…I'm already working on the next chapter!

Alice nuzzled my neck, inhaling my scent, and purring loudly. It was actually making my body vibrate with force of her purring. I chuckled into her hair as she cuddled into me all the deeper. I really, at the moment, wished I could just forget about this stupid war and just stay here for the rest of my life.

Alice was drawing little patterns on my stomach, mostly tracing the muscle definition. It felt really nice.

"You are really sweaty." Alice commented with a small smile. I just rolled my eyes because I could hear how extremely pleased she was of this fact.

"And whose fault is that, exactly?" I teased gently, earning myself a sharp bite on the shoulder. I squeaked in a very mouse-like fashion. She may be little but that girl sure did have pointy fangs! I rubbed my shoulder with a grimace.

"Damn, vampire!" I growled. "You go from loving to violent faster than that car of yours!" Alice growled back at me, playfully. Alice rolled out of my arms, making me emit an unhappy whine, before she straddled me. My whine turned pretty happy then.

"Have I ever told you that I hate it when you call me 'vampire?" She asked curiously, her eyes displaying small levels of mischief. I lifted my hands up and placed them on her hips, rubbing my thumb against her hipbones.

"Not that I recall." I replied.

Alice smacked my hands away. "That's a warning. Don't call me vampire."

I titled my head at her. "Why can't I call you vampire? You call me 'werewolf'."

"No," Alice said with a shake of her head, "I call you 'My werewolf,' 'Beloved Wolf', and other names that have a sense of endearment to them. I don't just call you werewolf."

"Okay." I nodded, understand what she was getting at. "So, I can call you. 'My blood sucker?" That earned me a hard slap to the shoulder. It was playful but it still stung. "And how about 'Dead one'"

"Call me either of those and I will kill you." Alice joked and settled her body back to lie down on top of mine. I gently rubbed her spine.

"What about…" Alice looked up, clearly warning me that any wrong answer would result in another painful act of violence onto my body. "My fanged one?" Alice seemed to mull this over and nodded. "My sparkled love?"

"I like the first one more." Alice commented. "I think you should call me 'Beautiful Mistress.' Or maybe 'Most gorgeous, lovely, fair, enticing…"

"Woah!" I said, covering Alice's mouth. I knew she was alive for long and knew such long words that she could go on forever. "While all of those things are true," I flinched as Alice completely slobbered all over my palm, "That's a little long-winded for a pet name."

I pulled my hand away.

"You could have just told me to shut up instead of slapping that big hand of yours over my mouth." Alice pointed out with an arched eyebrow. That was my loving mate. I dropped my hand to the ground, making sure she could watch me wipe my hand off on the ground, and let out a yawn.

Alright, you've had your date. Leah thought with a roll of her eyes from where she was curled up against her mate. Can we please go back to lessons?

We? If I remember right, I was the only one taking lessons. I thought back as Alice went about finding her clothes. If Alice without clothes wasn't distracting enough, she was sparkling in the setting sun, and I could barely take my eyes away from her.

I talked Tanya into letting me take the lessons with you. Leah explained. I figure communicating works both ways, so stopping it has to work both ways as well.

You had to talk Tanya into letting you do it? Who would have thought that Leah Clearwater would be the submissive one?

You're one to talk. Leah shot back. You have Alice by easily a foot and probably a hundred pounds and you flip onto your back for her in seconds. I couldn't argue with that logic because it was completely true.

So, we have to do it now? I nearly whined as I watched as my mate started to hide the most secretive parts of her anatomy with clothing.

Leah laughed at me. Yup. Tanya really, really wants me to herself.

Possessive little vampire, isn't she? I did end up getting up though. Mostly because Alice was ready to go and now dressed. I got up, found my clothing dangerously near the edge of the cliff, and got dressed.

"So," Alice started, "More training?" I nodded and stretched out some of the muscles Alice had made me use.

"Leah is going to train too." I said, as we began walking towards her car. "You never did mention how pushy Tanya could be."

"Didn't you figure that you yourself?" Alice asked me, intertwining our fingers. "She's been after Edward for one-hundred years. She sees being pushy as the only way anything will get done. It works, though. Maybe I should try it."

That statement was met with my first real glare towards Alice. I liked Tanya as Leah's mate but I wouldn't be able to stand her as my mate, so we are going to have problems if Alice picks up on any of Tanya's personality.

Alice seemed to understand the process of my thoughts and laughed at me with her twinkling laugh. We reached her car with only a few seconds delayed due to some kissing getting a little hot and heavy.

By the time we reached the house, to find a very annoyed Tanya, the ride had taken about thirty minutes. Obviously, we weren't in as much of a hurry as we'd been on our way to the date.

"Alright." I said, when Tanya eyed us as we approached. "You take the peeved off vampire and I'll run."

Alice let out an amused snort. "That's my mighty werewolf; run when the things get hard."

"Hey! This werewolf has something called survival instincts." My door was thrown open by Tayna when we stopped. "At the moment, they are screaming for me to run."

"Diddo." Alice remarked as she slipped out of the car. I swung out.

"I thought you never were going to return." Tanya sighed. "I understand you have a primal sex drive, being part animal and all, but I would appreciate it if you did not have such long dates when such important things need to be done."

"You mean figuring a way to get me out of Leah's head?"

"That and the preparations for war." Tanya added with a nod of her head. "Against my wishes, my mate will be joining your class. I will, however, be attending as well."

Alice just shook her head. "Your mate will end up without any clothes like three times." Tanya shot a glance at Leah, clearly worried. "You don't get used to it, either. It just gets worse!" Leah, who was standing in the doorway watching amusement, and I shared a look.

"If you have fur, you are considered dressed." I pointed out weakly. "I've only been naked in front of your family once!"

"Fur and blankets don't count as clothing." Alice interrupted me before returning to complain to Tanya about my lack of clothing.

Tanya, actually surprised me, and gave Alice a strange look. "Alice, I have to agree with Bella on this one." At my shocked look, she rolled her eyes. "Don't get used to it but if she's covered in fur, it doesn't count as actually being nude."

"Thank you!" I shouted but shut my mouth when Alice gave me the same look that I'm sure my mother would give me if she hadn't just up and disappeared. I lowered my head submissively towards Alice. She eyed me for a moment before turning back to Tanya.

"You really don't mind that Leah is one shift away from being naked in front of a lot of people?" She looked like she really couldn't believe what she was hearing.

Tanya shrugged. "I'll be completely fine but if Leah shows the smallest smidge of interest of arousment to anyone that is not me, she will not be allowed to wear anything besides turtle necks and pants with a belt that locks and the key will be hanging around my neck." I grinned and Leah just blinked.

How does that arouse you? I thought to Leah as she eyed Tanya and invisioned herself wearing that type of belt.

I just find that type of stuff hot. Leah admitted with a slight shrug of her shoulder. While our mates fight about the definition of being naked, do you want to go find Eleazar and start our lessons? I briefly thought about staying because I've seen very few girl on girl fights, but then I realized that Alice was describing, in very descriptive words, what she thought males thought when they saw me naked. I couldn't have gotten out of there faster.

Leah chuckled as I pulled her into the house. When we were out of all the vampire's hearing, I turned to her. "Yes." I said.

"Yes?" Leah asked, tilting her head.

"What you wanted me to do. Yes."

Leah thought about it for a minute before she let out a relieved sigh and gave me a lopsided smile. "I'd say that I'm surprised but you've always had a weak spot for suck ups." I had to admit that it was true. That's how Mike Newton got me on a date.

We found Eleazar lounging with Carmen on the couch. They were giggling about something and I almost didn't believe that they were so old. When we entered they smiled at us briefly before Eleazar seemed to suddenly hear Tanya's and Alice's raised voices.

"What are those two arguing about?" Carmen sighed. "I was happy that they finally seemed to be getting along."

Leah shrugged. "Alice and Tanya have different ideas about how appropriate it is for your mate to be naked in front of men. Tanya thinks as long as the mate shows no interest than it shouldn't be a problem. Alice doesn't even like Bella being in fur."

Carmen looked impressed. "Tanya is being very laid back with you. I'm surprised your even allowed to be near another gay female. She must really trust you two." Wow, talk about a stake to the heart. Leah looked like she'd seen her life flash before her eyes.

"Well, before those two realize that you've slipped away, would you like to begin the lessons now? I do have a few new ideas that may be useful." Leah and I agreed and followed Eleazer to the appointed practice room. Esme said she wouldn't have us phasing all around the house and we had to keep it to a room that company would never see in case we did something like scratching the walls.

Today there was a seat next to mine that I'm guessing was for Leah. We'd both just sat down when our mates trotted in. Their unusual, filled with bickering, friendship seemed to have been strained from whatever their conversation had led them and were keeping a distance between them.

When our mates had sat down, not before a quick glare at each other, Eleazar began his training.

"When Tanya told me about how Leah had broken her previous mind link with Sam, it gave me an idea…"

"She is not reopening her mind link with Sam." Tanya warned gently.

"Of course not, I'm sure all of us are more comfortable with her being in Bella's mind." Eleazar said to sooth his emotionally upset coven leader. "However, it gave me an idea. Instead of having Leah jumping from alpha's mind to alpha's mind, why don't we just have her become her own alpha?"

Leah shook her head. "That's not possible. Shifters have natural born instincts that make them an alpha or a non-alpha. A non-alpha wouldn't be able to fight their instincts and actually beat an alpha in battle."

"I'm aware of that." Eleazar said softly. "But could you force yourself to take an alpha on in battle?"

Leah nodded hesitantly. "It would be very difficult, almost impossible, but even if I could, I wouldn't be able to actually beat an alpha in battle. They're better than me in every way." It was clear that Tanya didn't agree with that statement due to the glare she gave me.

Eleazar grinned. "But I happen to know an alpha that would be willing to allow you to beat her." Eleazar gestured to me.

Leah shook her head, almost frantically. "You don't understand how shifters work. Our instincts have been intact for as long as wolves have been around. Those instincts are woven into us! Even the thought of attacking Bella or trying to make her submit…" Leah looked disgusted and shook her head. "I couldn't do that."

I knew what Leah meant. My inner wolf was bristling and shaking at even the thought of being challenged for alpha.

"See that?" Leah said, pointing at me. "Bella is just reacting to the idea of being challenged." Tanya got to her feet with a worried growl. "Doing what you're asking," Leah locked gazes with Eleazar, "Is like asking a person not to yank their hand away from a burning hot stove." Leah locked eyes with me and dropped hers submissively, a gesture meant to calm my wolf. It worked wonders.

I took a deep breath that resulted in my wolf finally calming down. I gave her a grateful smile.

Eleazar looked at us sympathetically. "Then I can think of no other way. Both methods we tried yesterday on Bella showed absolutely no improvement. No offense to you Leah, but Bella shows more of an aptitude for mental abilities due to the fact she contains an mental ability."

Leah turned towards me.

Do you think you could reign in your instincts because I don't think I could. Leah sounded almost ashamed. I want to get out of each other's head because I know Tanya doesn't like it but I'm not strong enough.

I know. I admitted. I know how much this would mean to Alice but my reaction to the thought of it was just…powerful.

I know! Leah chuckled. I thought you were going to leap out of your chair and make sure I was still submissive.

I reigned it in though. I thought. Maybe I could contain the urge. I'm not saying I'd be your follower but if I could submit enough, then you could be your own alpha. I would prefer you being another alpha.

You have never abused the power over me. Leah thought as she realized where my thoughts had gone.

But I could. It's my choice and I shouldn't have that power over you. I leaned back. I'm willing to try if you are. Just promise me one thing. Leah nodded slowly. If I lose it, promise me you'll instantly submit, so I don't hurt you too much.

Leah and I looked at each other for a long moment before she turned to Eleazar and nodded. "We'll try it."

"You don't have to do this." Tanya spoke, coming from behind Leah, and wrapping her arms around Leah's neck and resting her chin on her shoulder. "I would rather share you then have you hurt."

"I agree." Alice whispered while tucking a strand of hair behind my ears.

I grinned wolfishly. "Pay attention girls." I joked. "Watch your big bad mates fight millions of years of instincts just to impress you girls." Alice rolled her eyes but wrapped me in a huge hug. I held her for a few moments before I heard Leah giggling.

Tanya was nibbling on Leah's neck and making her giggle hysterically. I arched my eyebrow at her.

Eleazar locked eyes with me and motioned for me to come over. I walked over to him with Alice hanging off of my arm.

"I hate to tell you this." Eleazar said, looking mostly at Alice. "I am going to need you and Tanya to be absent for the fight." Alice looked like she was ready to fight that to the very end but Eleazar beat her too it. "I remember Sam telling me that for a non-alpha to become an alpha, they must beat an alpha in a fight. It must be a true one on one fight. Will you be able to sit there while Bella is forcibly made to submit?"

Alice seemed to mull that over. "Every single time Bella gets in a fight, she gets hurt! Every single time!"

Tanya came up, still cuddling with Leah. "But there's a difference between me and the others she's fought." Leah said to Alice. "I'll be forcing myself to fight her. There's no way I can lose control and inflict any harm to Bella."

Tanya nodded.

"You do realize that Leah's going to fight an alpha with instincts to slam her into the ground and force her to submit and you aren't allowed to be anywhere near her?" Alice asked.

"Alice!" I groaned. Tanya's eyes narrowed at me. I don't share a mind with her but I'm sure she had thoughts of tying me up. Leah, of course, was turned on by the idea of me being tied up. Alright maybe getting out of each other's head was a good idea.

Leah nodded, actually looking sheepish. It probably had to due with the fact that her mate was eyeing her curiously, wondering why she had a sudden burst of arousal but Tanya didn't seem like she was minded too much.

Eleazar cleared his throat to stop Tanya from probably dragging Leah into the nearest room. "That is true. Especially with you being so newly mated, Tanya, and I don't think you'd be able to hold yourself back. Alice may not even be able to hold herself back."

Tanya shifted uneasily. "Can't we tie Bella up, so that Leah can have a better chance?" That actually was a good idea. Then I wouldn't feel so bad about being beaten by a non-alpha.

Eleazar shrugged. "I'm not sure. I know that wolves, not that I am comparing you to animals, mind you, but I know that a tied up or cornered wolf is pretty dangerous. I believe that Bella should approach the fight without anything hindering her."

That was met with a hesitant agreement. Right after that, we argued about the time we should try it. The entire family, wolf and vampire, got in on the argument.

Rosalie, Esme, and Sam thought that we should wait till after the war because being in each other's head would make us safer and the communication between us would be our strength especially if we were attacked in our human forms.

Emily, Emmett, and Jasper thought immediately would be for the best. Since we were both Ryan's target, he may use one of us against the other and the one of us that was captured wouldn't be able to block our thoughts to keep the other from coming to our rescue; running into a trap.

The others couldn't seem to make up their minds; our mates were the worst. They both wanted us to be safe as possible but they really wanted us out of each other's heads. Tanya, on some level, seemed to know that there was something between Leah and I, some past, but she also knew that power wise, I was one of the best allies to have.

Edward finally brought up the winning point. "Well, the upside is that it would make the vampire side of the relationships be more comfortable to know that Bella and Leah are out of each other's head due to their past sexual experience." Edward tensed up when he read our horrified thoughts on how we had not told Tanya about that.

"Ohhhhhhh!" Kate sang, looking suddenly interested. "A twist in our fairytale….the best friend, a past lover? What is Bella Swan?"

Emmett didn't respond, he was just eyeing Tanya with barely contained horror. Tanya had gone stiff in Leah's lap, they were comfortably lounging on the love seat, and looked like she didn't know who to glare at…me or Leah.

Leah and I both opened our mouths, trying to think of something to say but, taken off guard, nothing came out.

Tanya looked back at Leah. "When was the last time you had intercourse?" Her voice was so calm that it was all the scarier. Even Alice wasn't growling.

Leah whimpered, clearly frightened by the same tone. "Three years ago. It was the only time we've ever done…anything romantic. No dates, no kisses, no touching…"

Tanya seemed to mull that over, slowly tapping her thighs. She studied me, clearly taking in the way Alice and I seemed to fit perfectly into each other, before she looked back into Leah's hesitant face.

"Okay." Tanya said with a slight shrug before leaning back into Leah and returned to studying her nails. I think Carlisle's jaw was the closest to the ground. "What?" Tanya asked, looking up when she saw the bewildered looks we were shooting her.

"You are taking this extremely calm." Esme said gently with curious eyes. Tanya and her coven chuckled and seemed amused by that.

"We are much older than you." Tanya reminded us. "Whereas you are young enough that the news would actually disturb or make you jealous, I'm old enough to understand that no matter Leah's past relationships that she is with me now and she will always be."

I rested my head on Alice's shoulder and chuckled. "That went better than expected. Leah was very, very worried you'd reject her."

Tanya grinned and shrugged. "I'm just amazing like that." She patted Leah's leg soothingly. Leah just smiled at her and sank back into the couch.

Sam rubbed his arms. "I say that we let them get out of their heads now. Leah's been in people's head and has been hurt because of it for a long time. I think it's time that we let her be free, but the decision is ultimately yours."

I nodded. "I'm all for it now. I think I've forgotten how it feels to only think and feel my own thoughts and feelings. That and, while I love you Leah, your thoughts disturb me at times."

Leah clicked her teeth playfully at me. Tanya may have been cool with our sexual relations but she was not okay with that gesture. She turned around and punched Leah's shoulder; hard.

Leah let out a whine and instantly went about licking her mate's check and making cooing sounds in apology. Tanya just gazed hungrily at her mate for a long while before huffing.

"Damn it all." She growled. "Alice, you and I are leaving now. The sooner they finish, the sooner I can have my mate…in every single way." Her voice came out so husky that I think every male and gay female being in the room shivered; Alice and myself included.

Leah let out a long whine and I rubbed my temples to try to reign in my thoughts though Leah had them leading in a rather bad direction. Alice must have seen this because she got to her feet and grabbed Tanya before things got out of hand.

"Come on, Tanya." She pulled the reluctant blonde with her. "We'll disappear for…three hours. No longer than that." She gave Eleazar a warning look before they both took off towards woods.

Eleazar was silent for a moment, rubbing his hands together nervously. "Let's do this before they get back."

Leah and I soon found ourselves being dragged outside by quite a few of the males while Esme and Emily said they'd be inside, not wanting to see us hurt each other.

Eleazar forced us to be stand in the middle of a circle made of vampires and the some of the pack that Sam had called incase something got out of hand. We were to be at opposite sides of the circle, just standing there. Leah would walk towards me at her own pace. I would try to force myself into a submissive position before she came above me and then hold myself still so she could gently bite my throat. That should make her an alpha.

I want you to promise me, Leah. I thought to her as we got ready to start the first trial. Our clothes were shredded around us and we were pawing the ground in nervousness. The second you feel me turn hostile, you get out of my range or drop into a submissive position.

I promise. Leah said. Come on. How hard could it be?

Leah lowered her head, fighting the urge to run for even thinking the thoughts she was, and slowly inched towards me. She took her first step and we realized how hard it would be. The second I realized she was coming towards me with plans on putting me into a submissive place, my wolf took control.

All my fur raised and I snarled, lowering my head aggressively and moved towards her. As she promised, she fell onto her back, tucked her tail up, and showed her throat to me.

It shocked me back to my senses. I shook my head with a bark; half frustration and half apologetic towards Leah. Leah was already on her feet and standing in her starting point, waiting for me to get myself together.

I got back to my place and steeled myself. The results were almost the same as the beginning. Leah didn't even get a little closer before I nearly lost it.

After the fifth time, we nearly lost all hope considering, I'd slammed Leah on the ground before she could even take that one step. I backed away, shaking my head, and growling my frustrations out loud. I probably sounded like some whiny little pup.

"Calm down." Eleazar said, softly. "If you get yourself worked out then Alice will have my head." I lowered my head apologetically and sat down with a huff. "Sam." Eleazar turned to Sam. "How can we make Leah seem more intimidating so it will be easier for Bella to submit or Bella less intimidating so it's easier for Leah to dominate."

Sam just shook his head. "Being an alpha isn't based on being intimidating. If that was true, then I think my pack would rightfully belong to Bella. Everything about being an alpha is bloodline and the right to be. I am alpha because of my bloodline. A wolf that is not of an alpha bloodline cannot possibly be an alpha."

Eleazar looked over with a frown. "Is Leah from an alpha's bloodline?"

Sam went quite, going through the bloodlines in his head. He gave an unsure shrug. "She comes from a single alpha but she has had many, many non-alphas in her bloodlines as well. That alpha may just be covered up."

Eleazar shook his head. "For our sakes, let's hope it's not." Eleazar went to Leah and rubbed her forehead. "Come on, Leah. You need to do this. Think about how it will make your mate happy." That wasn't really fair to say. Leah and I were trying. Did they expect us just to be able fight millions of years of instincts in three hours?!

Leah snorted her agreement but we started again.

For our mates! Leah thought and took a step forward. Alice filled my mind. How hurt she had always been when Leah was in my head and our relationship. How she would flinch when I'd laugh at something only Leah and I knew about because of this condition.

Leah allowed me to think of my mate as she took another step forward. My fur raised but then my thoughts drifted to where Alice would sooth down my fur when I'd become made, claiming she'd never be mated to someone with a Mohawk.

I knew Leah was sending me these thoughts but I didn't care. Suddenly, all the memories were gone and I realized, well more my wolf realized, how close Leah was and we both leapt forward. Leah didn't even have time to be submissive before my fangs took her muzzle between them and flipped her on her back.

I let go, licked her nose in apology.

I am so sorry! I whined to her. She blinked. I don't think she completely understood what had just happened.

Damn, you are fast! Leah huffed. My mate better appreciate this because my ego is taking unnecessary blows here. She laid there and waiting for the wounds to close on her nose. However, inside she was trying to secretly planning on what memories to shove into my head to calm me down.

I tried hard to ignore her as we both went to the other side of the circle again. The vampires and werewolves had gone quiet and were watching intently.

Leah attempted it again. This time just forcing the time we'd spent together into my head. I was replaying all the times we'd held hands. I was completely calm…until Leah brought Alice into a sexual light.

When I was done with her, there was a wolf shape indent on the ground. It took Leah a little longer to get to her feet considering I'd hit her so hard that all her ancestors, back to her alpha, were winded.

Okay. Leah growled, shaking her head. I think I get what memories to show you and which ones not to. Let's try this again.

Leah sent memories of every single innocent but meaningful interaction I'd ever had; down to the time when Alice had asked me for a pencil on our very first meeting. By the time, I'd reached the end of our relationship that was symbolized in little flashes and ended in Alice's heart rose petals floating on the water, Leah was ontop of me.

I let out a surprised snarl but Leah had already knocked out my front paws from under me. I hit the ground. Leah lunged for my throat but I was an alpha and knew instantly to block it. I slammed my head up and caught her in the jaw.

Bella! Leah's inner voice was shaking and I could feel the extreme terror in her. Please! If Leah could fight such fear to run, I could, no..I HAD to fight this. I let out a strangled whine. I tried showing my throat but my body wouldn't stop trembling in barely contained rage long enough for me to get control of myself.

"Leah! Do it! Now!" Sam was yelling at her in his alpha voice. She darted forward, nipped my throat, and leapt backwards with terrified whines. The second she touched my throat, I lost it, and I was on the poor female would angrily and gave her three hard nips to the ear, neck, and back.

She scrambled away.

Ohh my gosh! I am so sorry! I don't see why I can't do this? I waited for her to reassure me it was okay but nothing happened. That was when I noticed that my mind…was only my mind. I didn't have Leah's interesting and perverted take on the world or the urge to wrap my arms around Tanya and kiss her senseless.

I threw my head back and let out a victory howl that was so powerful that it nearly made me stand up on my back legs. Leah's ears stood up as she realized what had happened and she gave a shaky howl.

I wagged my tail at her but she stood there, still trembling and staring at me fearfully. I whined at her to reassure her it was okay. I took a step forward and I realized what was wrong with her. We both may be alpha's now but she would always be a submissive alpha.

I walked forward, nipped her trembling throat, and licked her muzzle. She buried her head into my chest and whined her apologies loudly. Her tail, however, was starting to wag as she realized what this meant.

I was a little sad, I'll admit. I felt a little lonely due to the fact I was so used to Leah being there but I was relieved as well.

Edward grinned from his spot on the outside of the circle. "They're out of each other's head."

"Really?" Rosalie asked. "How can you tell? You some kind of dog whisperer now?"

"No." Edward rumbled. "I can read Leah's mind now. You're right, Bella." He looked at me with his signature crooked smile. "She is quite perverted in her view of things." I opened my jaws and laughed. Leah backed away, seemingly much better, and nipped at my ear.

Jasper blinked. "When were you not able to read Leah's mind?"

"Ever since she joined minds with Bella." He grunted. "You see, if you people actually cared to talk with me then you'd know this stuff." Jasper looked horrified with himself and started to reassure Edward that he did, in fact, care.

Leah dropped down in a playful position and barked. We celebrated how any teenagers who could turn into giant wolves and just recently separated their thoughts from one another would; we leapt all over each and enjoyed the feeling of finally being equals again.

I'm going to go find Alice! It took me a minute to realize that Leah was not answering simply because she could not hear me. That's going to get some taking used to, I thought with a shake of my head.

I grabbed Leah's tail and pulled her in the direction that our mates had gone off in. She must have gotten the general idea because we ended up flying in that direction; running shoulder by shoulder.

A strange scent hit my noise and I slid to a stop, sniffing the air. Leah slid to a stop when she saw I was no longer beside her and looked back at me questioningly. She barked at me before she started sniffing as well, trying to find what I was looking for.

I was about to dismiss the smell when Leah yelped as something slammed into her side and sent her flying into a tree. I leapt towards her just to have something heavy land on my back and knock my legs out of under me.

I landed with a thud and twisted my head to sink it into the little red-headed vampire that was holding me around my stomach; a dangerous place Jasper had taught us. I threw her off just to have her replaced by a younger blonde male.

I rolled over, trying to crush the male under me, and got to my feet. The male held on with his legs and continued to attempt to get his arms around my neck. I started twisting in the air, barking for Leah. One quick glance and I saw that Leah was unconscious and being roughly drug away by an unfamiliar tannish wolf.

I lunged forward towards Leah only to have the red-headed vampire and a dark-skinned vampire grab both my back legs and jerk me backwards. I wanted to howl for help but I didn't want to expose my throat to the pesky vampire on my back.

I whirled to grab the red headed vampire but my teeth closed on air. She had jumped back but, right as I snapped, she delivered a hard kick to the side of my temple. It didn't knock me out but it did seriously make me dizzy.

I tried to focus and quickly regained my senses but that moment, that single moment, was long enough for the male on my back to get his arms around my neck. He squeezed and held. It wasn't enough to break my neck but I couldn't breathe.

My frantic struggles soon became weaker and finally, they just stopped.